No takers for ‘exceptional’ IDA site in Tipperary despite planning permission in place

The IDA is yet to find a client willing to occupy a site in County Tipperary which already has planning permission for a large factory building, the Dáil has heard.

Tipperary South Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy requested an update on IDA-owned lands at Ballingarrane, Clonmel during a recent ‘Other Questions’ session.

Deputy Murphy asked to what extent the IDA is actively promoting the site following the recent grant of planning permission for an advanced technology building.

He also asked whether any expressions of interest or inquiries have been received to date and for an updated timeline for the delivery of an advanced facility on the lands.

In response to Deputy Murphy, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke outlined the importance of balanced regional development.

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Minister Burke said: “I thank Deputy Murphy for his very important question and the work he is doing on the ground for our enterprise areas in Tipperary.

“Balanced regional development is a key focus of the work of the Department through our development agencies.

“In this regard, IDA Ireland is continuing its strong commitment to promoting foreign direct investment, FDI, in regional locations as part of our 2025–29 strategy, Adapt Intelligently, and is targeting 550 investments of FDI projects outside Dublin over the strategy’s lifetime.

“Furthermore, IDA Ireland is positioning the midwest, including Tipperary, as a competitive destination for global investment and is targeting 100 of these 550 investments for the midwest.”

He went on to outline the current status of the lands at Ballingarrane Industrial Estate.

“The availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be a key differentiator in investment decisions from both new and existing clients, as well as clients of Enterprise Ireland and our local enterprise offices.

“IDA Ireland, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, has secured planning permission, as the Deputy pointed out, for a proposed 10,000 sq. m advanced factory building solution on a site of approximately 3.4 ha at Ballingarrane Science and Technology Park in Clonmel, which I visited with the Deputy earlier this year.

“This advanced planning permission allows maximum flexibility to the potential client, whereby they can avail of the permission or amend it to suit their specific requirements, subject to further planning permission.”

Minister Burke concluded by saying that the IDA and Tipperary County Council are continuing to search for a potential occupier of the site.

“IDA Ireland, in conjunction with Tipperary County Council, continues to aggressively market the Ballingarrane site and the proposed advanced building solution to existing investors, including in the IDA Ireland portfolio and through our Enterprise Ireland global office network, its regional offices and IDA Ireland’s website.

“The timeline for delivery of the proposed advanced building solution will depend on when the site is acquired and developed by a suitable client.”

In response, Deputy Murphy said that while he welcomed foreign direct investment elsewhere in the country, he wanted to see more of it in Clonmel.

“It is positive to see that foreign investment is now at record levels. There have been 323 investments in the past 12 months that will realise more than 15,000 jobs.

“Unfortunately, none of those investments are at Ballingarrane industrial estate. As the Minister said, this is a fully-serviced, strategically located land bank of more than 50 acres.

“It is in IDA ownership for more than 25 years. We have planning permission for that 100,000 sq. ft advanced building solution.

“As the Minister knows, Clonmel has a strong track record in terms of delivery, multinational employers, a skilled workforce and a reputation for reliability.”

He concluded by asking why it has taken so long for the IDA to identify a client for the Ballingarrane site.

Minister Burke responded by outlining the amount of foreign direct investment that has occurred in County Tipperary.

“I hear Deputy Murphy's frustration and I assure him I will leave no stone unturned in getting a client for this very exciting opportunity in Ballingarrane, which is an exceptional site that has full planning permission.

“We have approximately 16 IDA clients in County Tipperary such as Boston Scientific, Abbott, Merck, Sharp and Dohme, MSD, and Waystone. These are all exceptional clients providing high-quality employment across the sector.

“We have approximately 95 Enterprise Ireland clients in Tipperary that employ 6,800 people. Between both agencies there are more than 12,000 people in employment.”

Minister Burke concluded by saying that the Department of Enterprise will continue to work with the IDA to find a client for the lands.